USDA announces a federal order that the country's milk supply be tested for bird flu

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday that it will begin testing the nation’s milk supply to address the continued spread of H5N1 bird flu.

Under a new federal order, raw milk samples from dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, transfer stations, and processing facilities nationwide will be collected for testing. The USDA stated that the "National Milk Testing Strategy" aims to better understand the virus's spread, enhance biosecurity measures to limit transmission to other livestock, and safeguard farmworkers.

Entities responsible for raw milk production must comply with requests for samples. Additionally, herd owners with cattle that test positive for bird flu must provide epidemiological data to assist with contact tracing and monitoring the virus's spread.

Private laboratories and state veterinarians are also required to report positive test results. While some states already conduct such testing, the federal program will officially launch on December 16, starting in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Federal Officials Stress the Importance of the Initiative

“Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, [the USDA] has collaborated with federal, state, and industry partners to identify affected herds and respond diligently,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This new testing strategy will give farmers confidence in protecting their herds, and it provides a clear path to controlling and stopping the virus nationwide.”

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the government’s commitment to public health. "Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply," he said. The department will continue testing retail milk and dairy samples to ensure the safety of pasteurized products.

Concerns Around Raw Milk

The USDA’s move follows a recent recall of raw milk in California. Public health experts have long advised against consuming raw milk due to risks of foodborne illnesses such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, as well as the potential transmission of viruses like bird flu.

Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk is not heated to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses. The USDA reports that 720 dairy herds across 15 states have been infected with H5N1, with the majority of cases in California.

While nearly 60 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the U.S., they are typically linked to exposure to infected animals or raw milk. The USDA and HHS have pledged to continue monitoring and addressing the risks associated with the virus for as long as necessary.